Future Focus: Global economy

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been under political pressure to address corruption more directly. New data indicate that corruption concerns are affecting both foreign and domestic investment decisions.

Soaring food prices – such as wheat, which has hit a 2-1/2-year high – could feed political tumult in Africa, despite earlier proclamations that an Egypt-style revolt would not spread to sub-Saharan Africa.

The West needs to be careful what it wishes for. Western capitals want China to be more responsible and active, but they don’t like it when Beijing is more assertive. China wants respect, but not responsibility.